Portland Public Schools

Posting Timeline

PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

This is an applicant pool for the 2025-2026 school year.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Position Details

SPED MISSION STATEMENT

The Special Education Department is committed to providing instructional services in inclusive environments that will prepare students that receive special education services for life and careers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Paraeducator support the instructional program developed and directed by Special Education teacher(s) and/or specialist(s) for students with developmental & educational disabilities from K-12 through age 21. Services may include specially designed instruction and related services, behavioral guidance and/or management, and/or physical management of students. Services are provided, using independent judgment, as assigned, qualified, and appropriate to the Paraeducator role.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates as an effective team member in a manner that promotes collaboration for student success.
• Collects and reports relevant performance & behavioral data of individual learners that supports the planning process.
• Implements complex instructional strategies in the classroom, on-campus learning environments, homes, work sites, & other community-based settings.
• As applicable, assists with modification, development and/or preparation of learning strategies, materials & activities to accommodate different learning styles, ability levels, and other learning needs of students.
• Implements & modifies behavioral strategies with students that are consistent with classroom & building behavioral goals.
• As applicable, performs tasks assigned by occupational & physical therapists, speech language pathologists, & other providers in the delivery of related services.
• Carries out functional (informal) assessment activities to document information about learner strengths and needs.
• Complies with all applicable district, state & federal policies, procedures & regulations.
• Performs support tasks to enhance effectiveness of the learning environment.
• Maintains & improves professional skills in order to contribute to the learning of all students.
• Performs medical protocols as delegated by registered nurses.
• Provides physical assistance to students with disabilities which may include toileting, changing, feeding, lifting and supervising a variety of student activities including playground, cafeteria and bus loading/riding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) years, full time, college coursework to meet the ESEA requirements (official transcripts with at minimum 72 quarter or 48 semester credits earned MUST be provided prior to hire). PPS offers a FREE Paraeducator Assessment for applicants who do not meet the minimum college credits. For applicants who opt to take the assessment, employment is contingent on receiving a passing score.
• Two years successful related experience or training preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to gather and report relevant data.
• First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50lbs. May also require the ability to restrain 50 to 100lbs. and requires continuous reaching, bending, crouching, twisting, kneeling and the repetitive use of arms, hands, wrists and legs.

SALARY: $25.10 - $31.71 per hour

WORK YEAR: 192 days

FTE: 0.9375 (37.5 hours/week)

START DATE: August, 20, 2025

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.

The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, kloewen@pps.net, 503-916-3337 x63337

ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, jbuno@pps.net, 503-916-3360

Title IX Program Manager: Bobby Cruz, bcruz@pps.net, 503-839-3660

Benefits Information

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635